Sophocles, the Oedipus Cycle: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone

by Sophocles

Book Overview

The critically acclaimed Fitts and Fitzgerald translation of Sophocles' Oedipus Cycle that chronicles the tragic downfall of the royal family of Thebes.

The ancient myth of Oedipus, which still reverberates to this day, provided Sophocles with material for three great tragedies--Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone--that together recount the downfall of Oedipus, king of Thebes, his death in exile, and the heroic,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 015602764X
• ISBN13: 9780156027649
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Mariner Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

Sophocles I

Contains the three tragedies: Oedipus the King Oedipus at Colonus Antigone

of course it's predictable

The previous reviewers who denigrate Oedipus as "predictable" only reveal their own ignorance. Any member of an Ancient Greek audience already knew the story of Oedipus, it'd be like complaining that upon going to Easter Mass, you found the story of the Crucifixion to be predictable; the point was never to have a twist, but to create a relationship between the characters and members of the audience, placing the viewers in direct relation to the mystery of life. The language is gorgeous besides.

Very Readable

Fitts translates the original Greek of Sophocles very lyrically: especially evident in the chorus lines, strophe-antistrophe. All three plays move quickly and are understandable in plain English, good for both personal reading and performance. A great intro into classical literature.

An awesome translation

This is a distinctly poetic translation of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone. It is both readable and enjoyable. We explored several versions in my English class, and Robert Fitzgerald does an excellent job constructing memorable lines and beautiful dialogue. If you want to read Sophocles, this is a good translation to choose.

Wonders are many...

"Antigone" is one of the 5 greatest plays in Western literature, and from this beautiful translation, it is easy to see why. The language absolutely captures each dramatic moment, from the first confrontation between Antigone and Creon, to the warnings of Ismene, to the callous indifference of the guards, to the immortal Hymn to Man chorus. Additionally, Knox's introduction is superb. If anyone has any doubt what is meant by "the glory that was Greece," read this wonderful volume from cover to cover--twice.